Had one of my pivot bushings crack the other day and I need to replace it. Should I buy the entire kit or just replace the plastic bushings? I kind of doubt my torx screws or the pivots themselves are bad. The bushings are only .95 cents each but the kit is $30 shipped.

Give Zach a call at Southwest Marine Electronics, I'm sure he can answer this question for you.

Easy to do both while you have it broken down

I just did the bushings on my Fortrex. I ordered the kit that had the tabs and screws along with the bushings. Glad I did because 2 of the 4 screws were broken. one bushing was worn and one was missing. I think that unless you know everything is not overly worn, then get the larger kit and replace all the components.

I agree. If you are ordering might as well get it all and know everything is good to go.

Get extras of everything, in my opinion. There’s always at least one of the screws broke.

Replace the pivots and the bushings both. I did just the bushings one time and it was loose again in no time. Did brackets and bushings last time and it is still like new almost two years later. I guess the brackets had more wear than I thought the first time. Extra screws are nice to have around. MinnKota uses the strongest loctite on planet earth on all their screws. Those screws can get pretty buggered up even if you use heat to remove them. Also sometimes there will be a screw already broken off in the bracket. Just get the entire kit.

I’m gonna say just buy about three sets of the plastic parts. They’re good for about 6 months a set. I replace them all the time. I have a broken one on my Ultrex right now. They are designed to wear and break. Often. I have a set of the metal parts, screws, and even a Yoke. Haven’t had to replace them…yet. Also the latch bar breaks a lot. As well as the cable and handle. And the foot pedal. And the cables. And the steering sensor.

God I love my Ultrex. “Game changer”.

put red loctite on the screws and get a set of these---problem solved !
http://jcracingonline.com/Minn-Kota-Pivot-Bushing-Replaces-2287300-Machined-Delrin-MKDB.htm

I actually put an order in for a set of these this morning after reading through a thread about them on the BBC. Went ahead and ordered the kit pictured above too that way I'll have a couple spare bushings and screws in case I break any.

Another reason to call Zach is if it is an Ultrex, that work is likely still under warranty (they extended from two to three years). I had three things done the other day on my Ultrex, drop off in AM and pickup at 4pm and no charge. Worth a call

It would cost more in gas to take it to him. THREE sets of bushings, plus shipping is less than $20.